The Dud Zone – Week 7

One common theme this fantasy season has been that everyone is struggling. There hasn’t been that one player that has been a consistent scorer each and every week like there usually is.

This has lead to a steady stream of players we’re expecting to be great, but turn out to be absolute duds. We’ve seen it from first-round picks like running backs LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles as well as upstart players like tight end Larry Donnell.

This week’s Dud of the Week was built up before the season on potential more than on-field production. We’ll take a look at his struggles and what it means for the future as well as highlight some potential Week 7 duds.

Dud of the Week, Week 6

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Owners of Patterson have been greatly disappointed all year. There’s no doubting the potentially elite talent he has, but the Vikings seem content on not unleashing the second-year receiver.

However, no week was worse for Patterson owners than Week 6. And the worrisome part is that his poor performance wasn’t completely the fault of Minnesota’s inept offense.

Patterson received six targets last Sunday, which was the second most he’s seen in a game all year. Unfortunately, he only caught two of those passes for 15 yards and his quarterback also threw two interceptions while throwing his way. Now that isn’t completely the fault of Patterson, but it definitely plays a part in his Week 6 struggles.

Furthermore, Patterson’s PFF wide receiver rating was a 2.8 in Week 6. To put that in perspective, the closest rating to him was Julio Jones with a 20.3 rating. That means Patterson’s rating is just under 10 times worse than Jones’.

What this all adds up to is a truly awful performance from Patterson. Hopefully his personal struggles were a one-time occurrence instead of a weekly mainstay.

Potential Week 7 Duds

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos

Thomas and the Broncos face the San Francisco 49ers this week in what should be one of the better matchups in terms of the actual game. For fantasy owners of Thomas, it could mean a dud performance.

No pass coverage has been as good as the 49ers this year. Their 20.4 grade is far above any other defenses in the league. What’s ultimately leading the charge is San Francisco boasting a top graded cornerback and the top graded safety in the league.

It’ll be hard to slow down the Broncos and Thomas, especially after Thomas recorded 10 receptions last week, but if any team can do it this year it’s the 49ers.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

After a slow start to the season, the Bears are finally getting Forte more involved in their offense. Unfortunately, they face the No. 1 graded defense in the league this week with the Miami Dolphins coming to town.

While the Dolphins have excelled this year with their pass rush, they’ve also been stout against the run. Plus, if Miami can consistently get pressure on quarterback Jay Cutler, it’ll take away Forte’s impact in the passing game.

Last week the Dolphins completely shut down running back Eddie Lacy of the Green Bay Packers. This week don’t be surprised if they stop a fellow NFC North running back in Forte.